Over the last few weeks, the specialist team of Vitoria Integrated Air Services (VIAS) have been busy dealing with several charter flights at Vitoria Airport. The first flight was an AN-124 containing four helicopters from Korea destined for the Toledo fire brigade. The intense summer heat across the whole of southern Europe has necessitated more air coverage of fire risk areas.

The next consignment was the export to Brazil, of 24 special tires, made by Michelin and weighing 84,000 Kilos. These were for the heavy duty trucks used in the transportation of minerals. Again an AN124 was chosen for the task. The operation was so successful that a second similar shipment of tires was shipped at the end of July. In addition, a B747-200F charter with a shipment of machine parts left around the same time for Peru. Using the VIAS terminal for palletising the different pieces, Lufthansa Cargo Charter contracted, coordinated, as well as supervised the overall operation for their client. The aircraft used for the operation was a B747-200F of Girjet. The handling and loading were unusually difficult due to the fact that all the pieces were of different sizes, ranging from seven tons in weight and with some pieces measuring 15 and 13 meters in length.

Ricardo Gonz'lez, Managing Director of VIAS, points out, 'We understand the needs of freighter operators for minimum costs, fast on the ground service and quick access to surface transport. Our special ability to offer flexible solutions for dealing efficiently with project cargo and handling big freighters makes appointing the VIAS team at Vitoria airport a very attractive option. Vitoria links distant markets such as Africa or South America to the whole of Europe, for example, eight hour by truck to Paris, four hours to Madrid and even London is only 18 hours away. But our team here in Vitoria, can provide a complete service including total supervision of flights, coordinating ramp and ground handling, Customs assistance and much more. It's a true one-stop-shop for any operator whether for one off flights or regular scheduled services. Lack of congestion in the air and on the ground, combined with 24 hour operations 364 days a year make this multi modal hub ideal for freighters.'

Vitoria International airport, has built a strong reputation as an ideal freighter friendly base, recently completed its new terminal building. The VIAS 1,785m' terminal consists of 1410m' of warehouse, 253m' offices with another 140m' in reserve for future expansion. The warehouse section has three airside doors, five truck platforms, four pits for pallet building and X-Ray facilities if required. The 3,500m runway can accommodate any aircraft type.